CELINA — Law enforcement officials in Mercer County seized 19 dogs from a residence on Ohio 49 on Wednesday.

In a news release, Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey said deputies executed a search warrant at 972 State Route 49 in reference to an investigation involving conditions of animals, specifically dogs on the property.

Upon searching the property, deputies discovered a large number of dogs located in several buildings, including the main house, out buildings and campers on the property. Deputies estimated there to be 150 to 200 dogs on the property.

CELINA — Law enforcement officials in Mercer County seized 19 dogs from a residence on Ohio 49 on Wednesday.

In a news release, Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey said deputies executed a search warrant at 972 State Route 49 in reference to an investigation involving conditions of animals, specifically dogs on the property.

Upon searching the property, deputies discovered a large number of dogs located in several buildings, including the main house, out buildings and campers on the property. Deputies estimated there to be 150 to 200 dogs on the property.

The owners of the property cooperated and allowed several dogs in need of immediate medical attention to be removed. A total of 19 dogs were removed from the property on Wednesday. Those 19 dogs include seven young puppies estimated at 6-weeks-old and their mother.

Eight of the other dogs removed were deemed terminally ill by a local veterinarian and were euthanized. The prognosis of the remaining three dogs was not promising. Deputies anticipate filing charges in an attempt to obtain additional court orders to control the number of canines at the residence to prevent future issues.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Mercer County Dog Warden Tom Powell, Randolph County SPCA, and the Fort Recovery Veterinarian Clinic. The investigation is continuing.